A SUPERMARKET turned pink over the weekend as part of efforts to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Staff at the Tesco in Lakeview Drive, Bicester, donned pink wigs, scarves, hats and anything else they could find for the fundraiser and to boost awareness of the charity's Race for Life events later this year.

It was one of many Tesco stores across the country to 'turn pink for the day', but Bicester's efforts went one step further when its bakers created 'hot pink cross buns' for the occasion.

The Bicester team had a stall at the front of the shop which greeted customers with a sea of pink, plus a monkey mascot in a pink Race for Life T-shirt.

Besides that, there were balloons, flags and a haul of tombola prizes for people to get stuck into. Prizes included a Sony Bravia TV, children's toys and wine.

Youngsters from the 3rd Bicester Scout group were also on hand to help sell tickets and drum up the fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

The event ran for two days and the first day saw volunteers rake in about £700 in donations before smashing the £1,000 target by the end of the day on Sunday.

Tesco Bicester community champion Bryan Taunton said: "Tesco turning pink was well supported by customers and colleagues in the Bicester store.

"My thanks go to the 3rd Bicester Scout group and CRUK volunteers who helped raise more than £1,300 for Cancer Research UK over the weekend."

The two-day event was also about raising awareness of the Race for Life event coming to Oxford on Sunday, July 8.

Runners were being signed up and encouraged to get involved with the 5K which raises money to help fund vital research into cancer.

The event is open to all women and costs £14.99 for adults, it is then £10 for children and youngsters under six go free.

It will be hosted at University Parks in Oxford before heading out onto the historic streets of the city.

For more details or to sign up, go online to raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org